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Breast Implants: The Essentials
For decades, women wishing to enhance the size and shape of their breasts have turned to breast implants for a solution to their predicament. Many women grapple with the decision as they choose between various types of implants, consider the potential negative issues involved such as leakage and infection, and hope for a satisfying outcome, one that provides a natural feel and look of normal breasts.
Why Breast Implants?
The breast augmentation procedure consists of inserting implants in the
breasts in order to increase a woman’s cup size and make her breasts
appear fuller and larger. Many women who do not develop the breast size
they desire, or who have lost breast volume due to aging, weight loss,
or pregnancy, choose to use breast implants to enhance their figures.
Types of Implants
Although the size, shape, and texture of breast implants can vary, there are two basic types: saline and silicone. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type. For instance, although saline implants may not look or feel as natural as silicone, they are safer since the filling is made of natural material that can be absorbed by the body without any adverse complications. On the other hand, while silicone implants may be more appealing to the touch, they can cause infection if they rupture or leak.
The Consultation
A consultation prior to breast augmentation surgery is a very important
step in the process of achieving the patient’s anticipated results.
The plastic surgeon will examine the patient’s breasts and discuss
with her how she would like to change their size and appearance. During
the consultation, important decisions will be made regarding the type
and size of breast implants to be used, as well as the placement of the
incision. In addition, the cosmetic surgeon will explain the procedure
in detail and let the patient know what to expect following surgery.
The Procedure
To insert the implants, the doctor will need to make a small incision
under the breast or arm, or in some cases, around the nipple. A pocket
will be made just large enough to insert the implant, and will be closed
with sutures after the implant has been put in place. The implant can
either be placed in front of or behind the chest muscle. The surgery can
be typically completed within a two hour period of time.
Recovery
Following breast augmentation surgery, recovery time varies with each
patient, and in accordance with the size and type of implants. Generally
speaking, the bigger the implant, the sorer the patient will feel after
the procedure. A drainage tube may be inserted to siphon any excess blood
and fluid from the breasts. The use of a surgical bra will be recommended
during the recovery period. Even after the stitches have been removed,
it may take several weeks before the patient will feel like herself again.
In all cases, patients should report persistent pain, bleeding, or signs
of infection or leakage of the implants to their doctors immediately.
Cost of Implants
Breast augmentation using implants can cost as little as $5,000 or double
that amount, depending on the surgeon performing the procedure, the type
of implant, as well as geographical considerations. Like most cosmetic
procedures, breast implants are typically not covered by insurance, though
some plastic surgeons offer special financing options for breast augmentation
procedures.
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